Two Ramona student-athletes earned the prestigious title of CIF Champion in wrestling: Arturo Osorio-Ramirez and Isaiah Ilich. For their accomplishments they have been selected the Ramona Sentinel Athletes of the week.

Arturo is a sophomore who didn’t start wrestling until last year. He was thrown into the mix early in the season and wrestled several matches due to injuries to more experienced wrestlers.

“He is a warrior,” said Coach Dwayne Guile. “Right from the start we could see that he had the heart of a champion. He worked hard and he is now a champion.”

Arturo won the championship by coming from behind in the championship bout and pinning his foe with 28 seconds left in the bout.

“It was a quick pin but he would have had enough points to earn the win. He never gave up,” stated Coach Steve Koch.

It was a special day for Arturo because his parents, Javier and Constancia, were able to see him wrestle for the first time this season. They saw him at his best, winning the championship.

“I couldn’t have done it without the coaches,” said Arturo. “All five of them contribute something positive at every practice and match.”

Junior Isaiah Ilich won the CIF championship in the 138-pound classification with 10 seconds to spare. He started wrestling officially in seventh grade for Coach Tyson Knierim but he and his brother Spaso have been grappling for as long as he can remember.

“Isaiah never quits wrestling,” said Koch. “He was down points and knew he had to get a near fall to win, so he got the points and then got the pin. He did exactly what it took to be a champion.”

“All of the coaches push us to our potential and instill a winning attitude in us,” said Isaiah. “Coach Guile really helps me a lot.”

Isaiah’s parents, Amanda and Sam, have been able to attend most of his matches. “I get great support from my parents.”